Historical Society recalls Anderson doctor George Flora, 1864-1946

A recent tour of old homes in Anderson brought back special memories of the one at the south corner of Ferry and West Center street. It belonged to Dr. George Flora, a well known Shasta County physician and surgeon, philanthropist, civic worker and a very close friend of my family.

Flora was born Oct. 14, 1864, in Leitersburg, Md. He graduated from the University of Maryland and eventually migrated to Igo in eastern Shasta County where he practiced medicine. He moved his medical practice to Anderson in 1915 and continued in it until his retirement in 1945.

As a physician, he attended the births of many of Anderson's older citizens, either at a nearby hospital or at a private home.

I remember him being one of those old-fashioned physicians who was very human and full of understanding, not only to his patients, but also with the public. He was never too busy to listen to those who came to him with their troubles. He was responsible for the financial aid of 24 youths to whom he provided a basic education and even helped with college expenses.

He was prominent in civic affairs in Anderson as a member of the local Rotary International Club as well as the Redding Elks Lodge. He was especially fond of children, and almost every youngster of the community was, at one time or another, the recipient of Flora's personal attention through some small gift. Being appreciated by a young person was a big deal to Flora.

This writer can attest to the many ice cream treats that Flora purchased. I also spent many hours sitting on his lap as a small child as he related stories of the horse and buggy days or explained to me once again the significance of all the Indian artifacts he had on display in his office.

A few years before his death, while I was still in high school, I would travel with Flora and his wife to Richardson Springs in order to visit my aunt, who owned the resort. Flora enjoyed spending time in the hot mineral springs there.

He also loved to relax and fish at his cabin at Sweetbrier, near Castle Crags.

In July of 1926, Dr. Flora survived an accident near Mt. Shasta, and proudly declared that Lady Luck had not only smiled at him, but had actually laughed out loud, which is how he lived to tell the tale.

Apparently, he was coming up the grade out of Nye's Springs, just outside of Mt. Shasta driving a new Studebaker when he noticed a car behind wanting to pass. Flora pulled onto the shoulder where his wheels quickly became imbedded in the mud.

After gunning the engine a few times in an effort to drive his way out, Dr. Flora suddenly felt the wheels take traction, sending the car dashing across the roadway and down a steep embankment. The car overturned completely twice and came to rest badly damaged and bottom side up.

Bewildered but unhurt except for a slightly bruised knee, Dr. Flora crawled out the vehicle's cab and was transported home by Morris Miller, a friend from Anderson who just happened to be in Mt. Shasta at the same time.

Following a short illness in May of 1946, Dr. Flora died at the age of 82.

All of Anderson's stores closed on the afternoon of his funeral service to honor his memory.

Friends from all over northern California attended the services. Dr. Flora was buried in the family-owned plot at the Igo Cemetery.

Anyone wishing to share their own written memories of Dr. Flora should bring them to the Anderson Historical Society, where they will be placed into his memory book.